The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a tough game against the red-hot Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night, and in the end, they couldn’t rise to the challenge. Yet again, the Maple Leafs had a two-goal lead but couldn’t hold on and fell 4-2 to the Oilers. It was the Edmonton’s 11th straight win and the Maple Leafs’ fourth straight loss.
From my perspective, two reasons contributed to the Maple Leafs’ loss Despite a strong start, Toronto was unable to capitalize on chances to extend their lead. The Oilers kept chipping away, and the Maple Leafs made mistakes at exactly the wrong time, resulting in at least two Oilers’ gimme goals. It wasn’t that the Maple Leafs didn’t have chances, but they missed them. Tyler Bertuzzi’s redirection hit the post, and William Nylander missed on a breakaway. Toronto simply could not convert their key scoring opportunities.
Second, the Maple Leafs had too many defensive breakdowns, which allowed the Oilers to capitalize on key moments. Leon Draisaitl’s goal in the second period and Ryan McLeod‘s game-winner in the third were the direct result of huge mistakes in Toronto’s defensive play. The team left their goalie Martin Jones hung out to dry, yet again. They did the same with Ilya Samsonov against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday (Jan. 14).
We’re seeing a concerning trend. The Maple Leafs lost their fourth straight game by squandering a lead. Tuesday’s game was also the third game in a row where they gave up the deciding goal in the last five minutes of regulation. The obvious question is why the team can’t hold onto a lead late in games.
The pattern is frustrating, especially since the team isn’t even picking up a point for losing in overtime these days. Why does the team’s composure slip when the pressure mounts? The number of late mistakes that turn into opposition wins is surprising. It seems like a mental issue, and it’s been costly.
Against the Oilers, Pontus Holmberg‘s play stood out. There’s more to his game than meets the eye. While he might not possess significant offensive upside – in that, he might not be sufficiently gifted to drive a line as a center – his versatility is a crucial asset for the Maple Leafs.
When he’s operating as the third-line center, Holmberg plays a consistent 200-foot game. However, when he’s been placed alongside highly skilled top-six players, his ability to forecheck and his responsible defence create chances for him (and his linemates) to shine. He seems to have a high hockey IQ that allows him to create offensive chances.
During one sequence last night, his forecheck led to a great opportunity for defenseman Mark Giordano off a feed from Mitch Marner. I wouldn’t be surprised if he took the top-six spot from Matthew Knies full-time.
